QA QC Manager

QA/QC Lead / Welding Inspector

Stowmarket

£45,000–£55,000 per annum 

We're working with an established specialist engineering and fabrication business delivering process pipework, bespoke fabrication, maintenance and installation projects across a range of industrial sectors.

As the QA/QC Lead / Welding Inspector, you'll take ownership of quality assurance and control across welding and fabrication operations. This is a hands-on opportunity to lead inspection activity, maintain high standards and play a key role in ensuring projects are delivered safely, compliantly and to specification.

The Role of Welding Inspector: -

• Responsible for coordinating and managing welding inspection and QA/QC activities from material receipt through to project completion.
• Working closely with engineering, fabrication and site teams, to ensure quality requirements are understood, met and properly documented.
• Leading welding inspection and QA/QC activities across fabrication and installation projects.
• Carrying out detailed visual inspections of welds and ensuring compliance with relevant standards and specifications.
• Arranging and coordinating NDT where required.
• Reviewing welding procedures, welder qualifications and material certifications before production.
• Managing material traceability, including heat numbers, batch records and certification documentation.
• Maintaining comprehensive QA documentation, including ITPs, weld maps, inspection reports and NCRs.
• Working collaboratively with engineers, fabricators and contractors to identify and resolve quality issues.
• Reviewing inspection data and identifying opportunities for corrective action and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• A strong background in welding inspection, fabrication quality control or a similar engineering environment.
• Previous experience in a QA/QC Lead, Welding Inspector or similar quality-focused role.
• Strong knowledge of welding and fabrication standards, particularly BS EN 1090, ISO 3834 and ISO 9001.
• Experience with weld inspection, material traceability and QA documentation.
• A good understanding of welding procedures, welder qualifications and NDT processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and the confidence to challenge quality issues when necessary.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both workshop and project teams.
• A recognised Welding Inspector qualification, such as CSWIP 3.1, would be highly advantageous.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established engineering business where quality is central to the work they deliver. You'll have genuine responsibility for maintaining and improving standards across a varied range of industrial projects, working alongside experienced engineering and fabrication professionals.

If you're ready for a role where your knowledge and attention to detail are valued, we'd be interested in hearing from you.